American Medical Systems, Inc. Awarded Surgical Method Patent for Implantation of AdVance(R) Male Incontinence Slings

MINNETONKA, Minn., May 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Medical Systems® (AMS) (Nasdaq: AMMD), a leading provider of world-class devices and therapies for both male and female pelvic health, announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent Number 7,686,760 covering the surgical methodology for implanting the AMS AdVance® Male Sling. This patent provides AMS with broad patent coverage on transobturator surgical procedures to treat male incontinence.

“This patent is a clear indicator of AMS’ long-term commitment to innovation in the development of male pelvic health solutions,” said Whitney Erickson, General Manager of Male Pelvic Health at AMS. “Our research and development efforts have resulted in this broad method patent and helps us build our strategy to be a pioneer in product innovation and surgical method development.”

AMS’ AdVance sling is clinically proven to deliver a greater than 80% success rate at one year for male patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence. The AdVance system is part of AMS’ broad portfolio of solutions for the effective treatment of both male and female urinary incontinence.

With more than 22,000 slings implanted worldwide, the AdVance Male Sling System has proven to be the treatment of choice for many patients and physicians. This patent gives AMS exclusive use of the methodology for the implantation of virtually any male incontinence sling device through the transobturator area via a pelvic incision.

For more information about AMS’ leading-edge solutions for both male and female urinary incontinence and other pelvic health issues, visit www.americanmedicalsystems.com.

About American Medical Systems:

American Medical Systems, headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, is a diversified supplier of medical devices and procedures to cure incontinence, erectile dysfunction, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), pelvic floor repair and other pelvic disorders in men and women. These disorders can significantly diminish one’s quality of life and profoundly affect social relationships. In recent years, the number of people seeking treatment has increased markedly as a result of longer lives, higher-quality-of-life expectations and greater awareness of new treatment alternatives. American Medical Systems’ products reduce or eliminate the incapacitating effects of these diseases, often through minimally invasive therapies. The Company’s products were used to treat more than 335,000 patients in 2009.

More information about the Company and its products can be found at its website www.AmericanMedicalSystems.com and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2009 and its other SEC filings.

Investor Relations Contact:

Mark Heggestad

American Medical Systems

952-930-6495

mark.heggestad@AMMD.com

SOURCE American Medical Systems

MORE ON THIS TOPIC